Nicholas and the Wool-pack — Cynthia Harnett

Nicholas's father is a member of England's most important industry, governed by the Fellowship of the Merchants of the Wool Staple during the Tudor period of the late 15th century. So, Nicholas must learn all there is to know about the wool business. But, he'd rather be outside with his friend Hal, tending the sheep and living a life of relative freedom with Hal's father, the shepherd. Once some shifty-looking Italians visit, though, and Nicholas suspects they are up to no good, his interest in the business grows. His father will hear no suggestion that the Italian merchants are nothing but honest businessmen, so Nicholas and his friends must try to discover their secrets on their own. Can they uncover the smuggling ring and outwit the plot to ruin Nicholas's father? A great historical adventure that thrills from start to finish, this book was awarded the Carnegie Medal in 1951 and named one of the 100 best children's books of twentieth century in the Keith Barker Millennium Awards.